The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-20
THE MISSOURrS RAGING TORRENT.
The Sibley Gorge Still Holds and the City OF
Mandan Is in Danger of Destruction.

BISMARCK, D. T., March. 19-The gorge at
Sibley island is still intact. despite the dynar
mite The scene here to-day is dreary one.
The river is still over six miles in width, and the
gorge at Sibley island is holding the water to the
highest mark. Ali of last night swinginglight
was seen in the woods and several Vain attempts
were made to send rescuing party thither; the
light was signal of distress from settler. who.
1t is learned this morning by looking through
field glass, has been the top of his house since
the rising of the waters, swinging lantern IN
the hope Of calling ard securing help. His house
is completely surrounded by water. is two miles
from the shore of the main stream, and is al.
most afoat. Two rescuing parties were sent out
this morning and have found several families on
the roofs OF their houses. Field glasses are be-
ing used with good results, as numerous settlers
have been discovered some of them perched on
the trees and others on floating timbers
To-day q snowstorm prevails. The current
over the new made channel is running over ten
miles per hour and the drift ice shoots along at
terrific speed. A large bear was seen on cake
of ice this morning Tho city of Mandan is
completely inundated and the water is running
through tho streets rs il in a mill race. The
situation at the river landing here is unchanged
The water is still running through the boarding
houses and the river residences up to the second
story. The worst is coming The great rise at
Fort Buford is now over half way here, and will
| reach this point some time tonight. This Will
make the highest water ever known in these
parts. and unless the gorge breaks at Sibley
island the city of Mandan will be in danger of
humiliation Littleheart river flows into the
Missouri just below Mandan, and should the ice
in this stream break to-day or before the Buford
rise arrives the entire surplus water of the flood
will be backed into Mandan. The high trestle of
| the Northern Pacific railroad is wrecked, and
Bismarck is the terminus of the Northern Pa
cific Yesterday passen ger train, with its load
! of people bound for the Pacific coast and inter-
/ mediate points, lay on the side track here all
| night. and will not be able to leave for several
| days
! Renewed efforts to break the gorge at Sibley
will be made, but it will be waste of dynamite.
| The gorge consists of six miles of solid ice
| wedged into the bottom of the river and piled to
a height of thirty feet. All the mail routes
blocked To show with what rapidity the small
streams RISE it may be stated that stage
crossed the neck Of Apple creek, and, after 60
| ing quarter of mile the driver discovered
| that he could not 60 any further. He then re-
| turned, and the neck of water which, five min
! utes before, about six inches deep, had
| swollen to flowing river, and he was compelled
| to drive half mile to get round. Apple creek,
| which is usually about fifteen feet wide. is now
| over mile and a half wide, and the high fences
! are entirely out of sight The snow-storm has
| been transformed into binding blizzard, and
! it is feared that rescuing parties will be lost.
| They are ont in small yawls. and with the blind
! ing storm and current of ten miles an hour,
will be unable to guide their craft or keep their
! bearings.